Boat sinks in Darwin Harbour

A boat went down in Darwin Harbour yesterday, taking 40 litres of diesel fuel with it under the waves.

The recreational vessel, with no people on board, was reported sinking at 7.55am in the harbour area known as the Small Boat Anchorage.

The incident was reported to police, the NT Environment Protection Authority and Darwin Port who responded by deploying a pilot vessel and response equipment.

The boat sank in six metres of water.

Darwin Port deployed absorbent booms to help contain leaking fuel oil and a dive team sent to the vessel attempted to plug the leak at the source, assess damage to the hull and advised on potential salvage operations. The owner reported there was about 40 litres of diesel fuel on board.